Part 11/14:
In contrast to the Pelicans and Mavericks, the Orlando Magic appear to be in a precarious but potentially fixable position. The trade for Desmond Bane, which involved surrendering Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and four first-round picks, was a bold but risky move. On paper, Bane seemed like an ideal fit, but his recent struggles put this theory into question.
Bane’s shooting percentage has dropped to career lows—under 42% from the field and below 29% from three—raising concerns about his fit and happiness with his role. Reports suggest frustration with his diminished usage, especially as young stars Paulo and Franz Wagner take most of the offensive load. Okongwu’s playful roast of Bane’s performance underscores these issues.